Pioneering Innovations in Medical Devices: Winners of MedTech Angels Season 5 Announced!

MedTech Angels Season 5: Celebrating Innovation in Medical Devices

On May 21, 2026, Premo Partners held the highly anticipated "MedTech Angels Season 5 Demo Day" in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. This annual event focuses on nurturing medical device startups, showcasing innovations set to revolutionize healthcare. The gathering was attended by around 150 individuals including investors, industry professionals, and medical experts, both in-person and online. Six promising teams presented their technological advancements and visions for the future of healthcare.

Spotlight on Six Innovative Teams

The Demo Day featured remarkable presentations from the following teams:

1. Ivec Co., Ltd. - Developing an intravascular platform for highly accurate and minimally invasive brain information input/output.
2. Nocturne Co., Ltd. - Quick assessment of sleep apnea in just one minute.
3. MedCuration Co., Ltd. - Introducing new options for pelvic cancer treatment through dedicated medical devices.
4. Muscle Blueprints Co., Ltd. - A next-generation wearable SaaS that eliminates airway obstruction, targeting a zero percent dropout rate from current treatments.
5. The University of Tokyo, Sekino Lab - Development of home therapy devices for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
6. Cellfold Co., Ltd. - Innovating angiogenesis therapy using Injectable Cell Scaffolds (ICS).

During this year's edition, Cellfold Co., Ltd. was awarded the top prize for their groundbreaking work on ICS therapy to address severe limb ischemia (CLI), a condition that can lead to limb amputation.

The Importance of the Demo Day

The Demo Day not only recognized the outstanding contributions of participating teams but also served as a platform for alumni discussions. Notable speakers included Chizu Saeki, CEO of SONoALS, and Takafumi Kubota, representing Tohoku University, who shared their experiences in a session titled "A Year in Review for Season 4 Alumni." They discussed transformations and ongoing projects post-participation.

Furthermore, a lecture titled "Voices from Season 2 Alumni: The Journey of Growth" by Yuji Takeuchi, CEO of Direava, and a dialogue with Kumi Sakurai, CEO of Premo Partners, drew significant audience engagement, making for an enriching exchange of ideas. A follow-up article detailing these discussions is expected to be released soon.

Celebrating Innovations in Medical Therapy

Cellfold’s ICS approach is expected to innovate treatment for CLI by allowing implanted cells to remain at the site longer, thus promoting blood flow and ulcer healing. With a focus on practicality and cost-effectiveness, they are currently progressing through physician-led clinical trials with promising initial results. The team aims for regulatory approval and market launch by 2031, including trials in the U.S.

Kenichi Yamahara, CEO of Cellfold, expressed his gratitude for receiving the award, stating, "It’s a great honor. We aspire to expand internationally and continue innovating in treatment solutions."

Special Awards and Industry Insights

Special awards were also presented, recognizing teams that demonstrated extraordinary potential as judged by corporate sponsors. The Life Sciences Award went to The University of Tokyo, the Teijin Pharma Award was given to Nocturne Co., Ltd., and the BD Fund Award went to MedCuration Co., Ltd., among others. These recognitions are intended to foster growth and implementation in real-world settings.

Jurors reflected on the event, noting the increasing caliber of pitches and growth of the medical device startup ecosystem. They emphasized the need for continued support from venture capitalists, corporations, and support organizations to ensure the future success of these entrepreneurial teams.

"Although challenges remain, there’s a noticeable growth in Japanese innovations in medical technology," they remarked, highlighting the significance of creating supportive communities and partnerships for future endeavors.

Looking Ahead: The Future of MedTech Angels

As the fifth installment of MedTech Angels wraps up, Yujiro Maeda, co-founder and Acceleration Director at Premo Partners shared his vision for the next phase. He reiterated the mission to build a medical device accelerator that caters to the needs of innovators in Japan and beyond.

Kumi Sakurai also quoted an African proverb, underlining the essence of collaboration: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This sentiment underscores the imperative for startup teams to connect with diverse supporters to realize successful commercialization, navigating challenges such as regulatory approvals and insurance reimbursements.

As the medical device startup landscape continues to evolve, the demand for a shared alumni community to exchange experiences, including failures, remains critical. Looking ahead, there are hopes to discuss the upcoming MedTech Angels Season 6 soon.

About MedTech Angels

MedTech Angels stands as Japan's first expansion program dedicated to medical technologies, providing comprehensive support for innovators in healthcare domains. From mentoring sessions to insights on regulatory approval, fundraising, and pitching, this program equips entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of bringing medical advancements to market. With collaborations across an extensive network of professionals, MedTech Angels endeavors to foster an ecosystem that accelerates the development of the next generation of medical innovations.

Contact: For inquiries regarding the MedTech Angels program, contact the MedTech Angels Secretariat at [email protected].

For more information on Premo Partners, visit Premo Partners' website.